Postdoctoral Scholar-Fixed Term

The Department of Forestry at Michigan State University is seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral Research Scholar to lead all phases of research on a two-year project focused on quantitative wood anatomy, dendrochronology, and ecophysiology of jack pine and red pine in the Lake States.  The successful candidate is expected to: (1) carry out detailed forest inventory and mensuration of historic jack pine and red pine plantations across the Lake States, (2) train and lead a crew to safely and effectively accomplish technically-demanding tree felling and bucking operations in remote locations, (3) process tree cross sections in the MSU woodshop for analysis, (4) carry out dendrochronological analysis and stem analysis including height growth, radial growth, volume growth and their response to historic climate patterns, (5) carry out detailed xylem anatomy measurements using microscopy and advanced image analysis software, (6) carry out ecophysiological measurements including water potential, gas exchange, and non-structural carbohydrate analysis, (7) develop Bayesian hierarchical models to identify specific morphophysiological traits associated with productivity and survivorship, and to quantify the heritability and polygenic architecture of the identified traits, (8) assist with the translation and delivery of research findings to usable products for regional land managers. The position will begin as a one‐year appointment with available extensions, depending on satisfactory performance and funding availability.

Professional Misconduct Review: As an institution of higher learning, Michigan State University is committed to providing a safe environment for its students, faculty, and staff in support of its educational mission. With this commitment, the University conducts criminal background checks and professional misconduct reviews of all applicants for employment in faculty, academic staff, and executive management searches.

A professional misconduct review is a prerequisite for a candidate to be selected for this position. Applicants will be asked to disclose whether they are subject to any pending investigation, findings or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Professional misconduct includes misconduct related to a person’s employment, including, but not limited to, theft, embezzlement, research integrity, discrimination, or harassment under civil rights laws and policies, including protected identity harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct (sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, etc.), and retaliation. All applicants will be asked to sign an authorization and release, which authorizes the University to contact the candidate’s current and former employers, for a period of 7 years prior to the date of application, related to any pending investigations, findings of responsibility and/or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Nothing will be sent to current or former employers unless the candidate reaches the semi-finalist stage.

The existence of professional misconduct history does not automatically exclude a candidate from employment. The University will assess the history, including any information provided by the candidate, in determining whether it is compatible with the position. The University may decline to hire a candidate based on the professional misconduct review. All records obtained from external employers will be kept in a secure location, separate from personnel files. If an applicant fails to sign the authorization and release, the application will be deemed incomplete and will be withdrawn. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Terminal -Forestry

The successful candidate will have:

• An earned PhD in Forestry
• ISA Certified Arborist (or equivalent tree work certification)
• Experience in collecting forestry data under a variety of field conditions
• Experience accomplishing technically demanding tree felling operations in remote locations
• Woodshop experience including band saws, routers, sanders, etc.
• Expertise with traditional dendrochronological and stem analysis techniques
• Expertise with measurements of xylem cellular anatomy
• Experience with LI-6800 photosynthesis system, water potential measurements, and state-of-the-art techniques for quantifying nonstructural carbohydrates in conifer wood
• Strong skills and demonstrated experience with applying Bayesian hierarchical models to dendrochronological and quantitative wood anatomy applications
• Prior experience with Lake States pine silviculture and demonstrated ability to deliver usable science-based products to state and federal land managers
• Prior experience in managing personnel and research projects

• Documented ability to bring research projects to completion
• Evidence of effective independent and collaborative work

Upload the following required documents: 1) a letter of interest detailing qualifications for the position and research interests, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) a writing sample (preferably a journal article or dissertation chapter) and 4) three professional references with contact information (name, email address, phone number). 

Apply early as the desired start date is Jan 4, 2027.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

for.msu.edu

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

Advertised: Nov 9, 2026 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Nov 16, 2026 Eastern Standard Time

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